Rams drop final game at Stu Clark Tournament

December 29, 2003

Freedom Newspapers

LAS VEGAS — The Rams dropped Sunday’s third-place game in the Stu Clark Tournament, but coach Mark Gallegos was pleased with how Portales played in the 56-48 loss to Bernalillo.
“The real Portales came out,” Gallegos said. “We came out and played. We played with a lot of heart and intensity and desire.”
Portales (3-7) was outscored by the Spartans in each of the final three quarters after a 17-17 first, but were never outscored by more than four points.
Chris Carter had 17 to lead Portales, while Chris Kirchner added 13 and Seth Clabaugh nine despite fouling out late in the third quarter.
The Spartans (9-3) got 18 apiece from Kenny Chavez and A.J. Sanchez.
Gallegos was hopeful the Rams would be able to turn the corner soon, with District 4-3A play just under a month away (Jan. 27 at Ruidoso). He felt the tournament was a good barometer for the Rams.
“I think we’ve grown up a little bit,” Gallegos said. “It’s a good measuring stick of how much more we have to improve.”
The Rams are idle until Saturday, when they face West Las Vegas. The Dons are 8-1, coming off their first loss in the Stu Clark title game. West Las Vegas will face Portales on the end of a back-to-back, with a Friday game against Espanola Valley.